The ban will apply to pupils in pre-school and grades 1-6.
"These amendments are necessary as a clear signal to the founders of educational institutions to restrict the aimless use of mobile phones, as research shows that the presence of personal mobile phones (even switched off) negatively affects people's cognitive abilities and increases the risk of digital emotional violence," said Agita Zariņa-Stūre (New Unity), Chair of the Education, Culture and Science Commission, which is responsible for the bill's progress in the Saeima.
The ban on the use of mobile phones up to grade 6 in all schools will come into force on May 31, 2025, by which date the school's internal rules on the use of phones must also be in place.
The amendments do not specify whether it means phones are banned from being taken to school. Presumably, they will still be allowed but will have to be switched off.
The amendments will also allow schools to search pupils' belongings where there is a risk to personal safety, health or life. The head of the educational establishment or his/her authorized representative will be able to request and inspect the personal belongings of the pupil, pupils, teachers, or others, and to restrict his/her movements in case of a threat to his/her safety, health or life. The Cabinet of Ministers will have until January 31 2025 to draw up the relevant procedure.
The legislative initiative on the search of pupils' belongings has been submitted by President Edgars Rinkēvičs.
